Desire
Summary
A longing or craving of the heart, which may be directed either toward God and righteousness or toward sinful gratification.
☩Spiritual Desire
Scripture commends earnest desire for God, His righteousness, and spiritual things. The psalmist declared, 'My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord.' Such holy desire is the mark of regenerate hearts and the spring of spiritual growth. The righteous are encouraged to seek God with their whole heart, to hunger and thirst after righteousness, and to earnestly desire spiritual gifts.
☩Sinful Desire
The same capacity for desire, misdirected, becomes the root of sin. James traces the origin of sin to desire conceived and brought forth. The 'lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life' summarize the worldly desires that war against the soul. Covetousness—desiring what belongs to another—is forbidden by the tenth commandment and called idolatry.
☩Transformation of Desire
The gospel transforms human desire, redirecting the heart's affections from earthly to heavenly things. Those who belong to Christ have 'crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts.' The indwelling Spirit produces new desires—love, joy, peace—that replace carnal cravings. Believers are exhorted to 'set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.'
Related Verses160 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Desire," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Desire," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).